US-China relations: Xi and Biden break the ice with phone call, but can they dial down tensions?

Name: US-China confrontation would be ‘disaster’, Xi says in first phone call with Biden
Uploaded: 2021-02-11T14:00:15.000Z
Duration: 54 s
Description: US-China confrontation would be ‘disaster’, Xi says in first phone call with Biden

Analysts say conversation is a first step in getting ties on the right track, but Washington is expected to continue taking a tough line on Beijing

US messaging emphasised concerns raised on economic practices, human rights and Taiwan, while China focused on cooperation and dialogue

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Xi Jinping and Joe Biden had their first phone conversation since the US president took office. Photo: Xinhua, Reuters

Sarah ZhengandEduardo Baptista

Published: 10:00pm, 11 Feb 2021Updated: 10:59am, 18 Feb 2021

The leaders of the United States and China finally broke the ice with a phone call on Thursday, but the two sides played up different aspects of their highly anticipated conversation in a sign that turbulent ties between the strategic rivals will continue under the new US administration.

Analysts say US President Joe Biden’s first phone call with his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on the eve of the Lunar New Year is the first step in addressing the damaged relationship, though statements from Washington and Beijing did not mask the contentious issues between them.

According to Shi Yinhong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing, the call showed the leaders were trying to get ties on the right track, but he expected the hardening US stance on China to continue.

Wei Zongyou, a professor at the Centre for American Studies at Fudan University, said the timing of the discussion was symbolic but it would not be easy to resolve the tensions.

“Biden speaking on the phone with China’s leader at this time, to convey Lunar New Year wishes, is an important signal that he is not [Donald] Trump and he will not continue to engage in comprehensive confrontation across all fronts,” Wei said.

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US-China confrontation would be ‘disaster’, Xi says in first phone call with Biden

“Relations do have a chance for a turnaround, but given the many problems the two sides have – on Taiwan, Hong Kong, Xinjiang, trade, technology and other issues – it will be very challenging to ease tensions and cannot be done overnight.”